Alabama House of Representatives reprimands lobbyist for cursing lawmaker

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The House of Representatives this morning voted to reprimand
a lobbyist who cursed at a legislator following a committee meeting earlier this month.

Legislative staff and lawmakers said it was the first time they could remember such a reprimand being handed down.

Representatives on a voice vote approved the motion to reprimand Claire
Austin. Austin, a veteran lobbyist, was accused of using profanity toward Rep. Joe Hubbard, D-Montgomery, following a meeting of the House
Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

Austin allegedly cursed at Hubbard and called him a "whore" and said she would work to
see he was not re-elected. She apologized for the remarks.

The Joint Rules Committee investigated the incident and
recommended the reprimand after finding that Austin violated the rules of
conduct.